Meet Jodie
Jodie grew up with a range of adverse childhood experiences and interpersonal traumatic events, leading to multiple foster placements.
As a result of extreme environments, Jodie developed a range of ‘adaptive’ coping strategies which lead to being sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and multiple hospital admissions. Jodie acquired multiple diagnoses including Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
Jodie’s behaviours and strategies included self-harm, emotional dysregulation, and other behaviours perceived to be challenging. As an inpatient, she often tried to abscond and was considered to be a potential suicide risk.
We first met Jodie whilst she was an inpatient in a secure unit. Her symptomology and complex emotional needs meant trust and relationships were difficult for her, and at that time, she declined attending any physical health checks.
Environments can be healing but also perpetuating. It was considered Jodie may benefit from a community setting, with her own tenancy (home), initially supported 2:1 by an experienced staff team, whose aim was to provide a secure base and to work with Jodie to develop skills and independence.
This is the package of care we designed for Jodie …
Accommodation
Jodie’s referring team found a two-bed first floor flat in her preferred area. Working with external teams, Gray Healthcare were involved with advising about adjustments to ensure it would be a suitable and safe environment for Jodie to call home.
Staff Team
Listening to Jodie’s preferences, we recruited a new team of people to exclusively support her at home. Each new team member had experience of working with people with mental health conditions and passionate about supporting Jodie to achieve her goals.
Training
To enhance their experience and skills, the team attended our induction week and learned about trauma-informed principles, good practice and the importance of collaboration, consistency and boundaries. In addition, the team attended person-centred training tailored to Jodie’s needs and strengths before they started working in Jodie’s home.
Shared Interests
When we interviewed people, we asked questions to find out if any of the applicants shared interests with Jodie (in fact, Jodie set the questions). We were able to recruit a team that collectively shared Jodie’s passion and enthusiasm for music, cooking, going to the gym and fashion.
Clinical Input
We built weekly clinical hours into Jodie’s package of care, supporting Jodie individually (and her team) with skills development, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), routines, relationship work, recognising personal boundaries and understanding the importance of personal health and well-being. Opportunities for reflective practice, debriefs and general support are also provided to the team.
How is Jodie today?
Jodie has worked with her team, is able to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and she has learnt alternative coping strategies and built skills. Confidence and self-esteem have increased, as incidents reduced. There has been a reduction in PRN use and Jodie has been supported to manage her own medication. Currently Jodie enjoys being part of her local community and is looking at volunteering.
Her Clinical Lead works with the external Multi-Disciplinary Team to ensure clear communication so Gray Healthcare works in collaboration to ensure effectively, timely outcomes.
We began supporting Jodie in 2022.
Using our Gray Healthcare Screening Tool, we can see the areas where Jodie has improved during her time with us. The higher the score, the greater the independence. We are now slowly reducing Jodie’s package hours.
‘Jodie is the most fun-loving and vibrant individual. She has me in stitches most days! What I really admire about Jodie is her determination to succeed in putting the past behind her and rebuilding her life. She is an absolute joy to work with.’
(Support Worker, Jodie’s Team)